Mike Rigby, Head of Manufacturing at Barclays, comments on today's PMI manufacturing figures.

'It was always on the cards that when growth in domestic demand, which has been supporting recovery, began to falter, the performance of UK manufacturing was going to look more vulnerable. With the ongoing impact of a slowing global economy plus a lacklustre exporting performance continuing to weigh down on the sector, it has to be hoped that once the uncertainty over the EU referendum clears, we will see manufacturers increasing the vital levels of investment needed to boost recovery.'

About Barclays

Barclays is a transatlantic consumer, corporate and investment bank offering products and services across personal, corporate and investment banking, credit cards and wealth management, with a strong presence in our two home markets of the UK and the US.

With over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 40 countries and employs approximately 130,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.home.barclays .

Barclays plc issued this content on 03 May 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 03 May 2016 09:33:08 UTC. Original document available at http://www.newsroom.barclays.com/r/3348/pmi_manufacturing_statistics___barclays__comment